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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.